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Furthermore the survey revealed that nearly two thirds (62%) ofrespondents agreed that obesity was the biggest concern for UK healthauthorities, however half of these people admitted to having made fun ofsomeone who is overweight. Overall nearly 1 in 5 UK men and women alsoadmitted they have discriminated against an overweight or obese person.
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'Lose Weight Gain Life' has been developed following extensive researchwith patients and physicians and offers clear, concise information to peopleconsidering safe and effective surgical procedures for obesity. These includenon-surgical treatments such as the BIB(TM) System intragastric balloon, andsurgical options such as the LAP-BAND AP(TM) System, and gastric bypass. Thewebsite also provides a unique 'clinic locator' which helps people findfurther information about specialist clinics and surgeons specialised inobesity surgery in their local area.
"It's interesting that people are performing more than 1,500 Googlesearches per month on gastric banding procedures in the UK alone, whichdemonstrates a huge desire for information about effective surgicaltreatments for obesity. However, I have concerns that much of the informationrelating to obesity surgery on the Internet may be misleading or confusing.Lose Weight Gain Life helps to navigate through this minefield and provideclear, balanced information on surgical obesity intervention surgicalprocedures available today", says Mr Paul Leeder, Consultant General UpperGastrointestinal and Laparoscopic Surgeon at the Nuffield Hospital, Derby.
In terms of general consumer attitudes towards obesity, the surveyrevealed a broad acceptance of obesity surgery among the general public, with53% of Britons agreeing that surgical interventions for obesity should beavailable on the National Health Service. A further 39% of those surveyedacknowledged that the procedure could be a 'life changing' experience.
Carol Hayes (45) from Bournemouth lost 5 stone 5lb after having theLAP-BAND AP(TM) System procedure in 2005. She said: "The LAP-BAND AP(TM) hastruly given me my life back and I think this website will help people weighup their options, encouraging them to talk to their doctor and come to thebest decision for them. Surgery is not a quick fix by any means. To loseweight and keep it off does require effort, but if you work with the band youwill be rewarded - and the rewards are definitely worth the effort."
Obesity is responsible for 9,000 premature deaths each year in England.According to National Audit figures, one million fewer obese people inEngland could lead to:
- Around 15,000 fewer people with coronary heart disease,
- 34,000 fewer people developing type 2 diabetes, and
- 99,000 fewer people with high blood pressure.(1)
In 2005, 21.2% of UK men and 21.5% of women were classified as obese.Without intervention, this figure is anticipated to increase to 33% of menand 28% of women by 2010(2).
References
(1)
http://www.dh.gov.uk/PolicyAndGuidance/HealthAndSocialCareTopics/Obesity/Obe
sityArticle/fs/en?CONTENT_ID=4133949&chk=RvJ5ON
(2)
http://www.healthcarecommission.org.uk/nationaltargets2007-2008/newnationalta
rgets/primarycaretrusts/indicators/childhoodobesity.cfm
SOURCE Allergan
